FG panel report reveals causes of the Plateau school collapse. Discover the findings and recommendations to prevent future incidents.
A preliminary report has been released by the Federal Government’s investigative panel regarding the devastating collapse of a two-story school building in Jos, Plateau State. The tragedy resulted in 22 fatalities and left 154 individuals trapped.
On Friday at approximately 8:30 am, an occurrence took place at Saint Academy situated in the Busa Buji community within Jos North Local Government Area.
Prof. Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), disclosed the preliminary findings from a press conference held in Jos where Prof. O.F Job led a team to uncover substantial construction defects on the building site including use of substandard materials that contributed significantly to its instability and distressing state.
There were apprehensions regarding the caliber of concrete, owing to an absence of a distinct demarcation between steel reinforcement and it. Furthermore, the anchorage for slab reinforcement was deemed insufficient
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According to Prof. Duna, the investigation conducted by the committee has begun and initial results reveal that the building was in a state of distress. The concrete’s quality is uncertain while insufficient anchorage for slab reinforcement was also identified as an issue. Moreover, he mentioned that smaller than required footings were responsible for contributing towards its collapse due to foundation issues.
Professor Duna advised both the government and professionals in the construction industry to carry out integrity assessments on all unstable structures, particularly those located close to where buildings have already collapsed. He stressed that Nigeria’s recurring cases of building collapse can be attributed to a deficiency in routine inspections and responsibility. Despite several occurrences, no individual has been reprimanded for dereliction of duty.
After the tragic event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio suggested to Plateau State authorities that enforcing town planning regulations more strictly could prevent similar incidents from recurring. During a meeting with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other officials from the state, Akpabio offered his condolences and emphasized how crucial it is to adhere firmly to building codes.
Akpabio expressed condolences regarding the building collapse and emphasized the necessity of fortifying town planning laws. Without regard to those impacted, structures that fail to adhere to regulations should be demolished.
Accompanied by traditional leaders, Governor Mutfwang attended a public hearing at the National Assembly to discuss the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences (Repeal and Enactment) Bill for 2024. The proposed legislation aims to elevate the institute to university status with Plateau State being considered as its possible host location.
As the investigation progresses, additional understandings into the root causes of the collapse and suggestions to avoid comparable catastrophes in future will be presented in a thorough report.
